Missed P60 on Tax Return
Discussion
After being made redundant in 2012 I asked an agent to complete my self-assessment tax return for year-ending April 2013. Was pleased as he secured me a rebate.
Letter last week from HMRC saying something was missed, email from the agent confirms he 'didn't have' a P60 from my current employer and therefore it wasn't entered (a different discussion entirely).
Speaking to HMRC today, predictably they want their refund back plus some additional tax as I'd somehow under-paid. Total is more than £2k!
NOT impressed. I know, I know, cool story and all that, just wanted to rant, complete pain in the chuff!
Letter last week from HMRC saying something was missed, email from the agent confirms he 'didn't have' a P60 from my current employer and therefore it wasn't entered (a different discussion entirely).
Speaking to HMRC today, predictably they want their refund back plus some additional tax as I'd somehow under-paid. Total is more than £2k!
NOT impressed. I know, I know, cool story and all that, just wanted to rant, complete pain in the chuff!
On a sidenote its amazing how many clients think i can look into their brain,
'I thought you knew I was renting out 2 houses'
'You never asked me whether I was working, just how I was making money'
'Look, I know i didn't tell you about the house sale - but you're my accountant, its your job to sort this out'
No offence to the OP by the way, it's just a bugbear of mine!
Write a nice letter in stating how this happened and they may well reduce any pentalty and interest they may be charging...
'I thought you knew I was renting out 2 houses'
'You never asked me whether I was working, just how I was making money'
'Look, I know i didn't tell you about the house sale - but you're my accountant, its your job to sort this out'
No offence to the OP by the way, it's just a bugbear of mine!
Write a nice letter in stating how this happened and they may well reduce any pentalty and interest they may be charging...
Mr Scruff said:
In my naivety I had no idea I had to, all I got from him was an email saying it was completed/submitted and I was due a rebate.
Live and learn.
To be fair to you, that is extremely unprofessional practice by the accountant. Live and learn.
ALL tax returns MUST be approved and signed off by the TAXPAYER - even if they are being submitted by a third party. The only time a third party can approve and sign someone else's tax return is if they have been given power of attorney over the taxpayer's financial and tax affairs.
I've just had an incident today where a client spotted a small omission by me on their husband's tax return. My software had not picked up the PAYE reference for his employment - even though I had entered it on the relevant screen.
That's why a second [pair of eyes checking a tax return is a very good thing.
Eric Mc said:
To be fair to you, that is extremely unprofessional practice by the accountant.
ALL tax returns MUST be approved and signed off by the TAXPAYER - even if they are being submitted by a third party. The only time a third party can approve and sign someone else's tax return is if they have been given power of attorney over the taxpayer's financial and tax affairs.
I've just had an incident today where a client spotted a small omission by me on their husband's tax return. My software had not picked up the PAYE reference for his employment - even though I had entered it on the relevant screen.
That's why a second [pair of eyes checking a tax return is a very good thing.
I can check yours for you?? I already do it for another firm.ALL tax returns MUST be approved and signed off by the TAXPAYER - even if they are being submitted by a third party. The only time a third party can approve and sign someone else's tax return is if they have been given power of attorney over the taxpayer's financial and tax affairs.
I've just had an incident today where a client spotted a small omission by me on their husband's tax return. My software had not picked up the PAYE reference for his employment - even though I had entered it on the relevant screen.
That's why a second [pair of eyes checking a tax return is a very good thing.
Agreed that the OP used an extremely unprofessional firm - I NEVER submit without the signed declaration page in my possession.
David
Chap I used came recommended, won't use him again! I've just called up the tax office and explained what's happened, they're going to write to both of us (as he doesn't seem to be too forthcoming). To be honest I hadn't spent the rebate I'd received - I tend to be a little cynical when it comes to these matters - but it's still annoying to have acknowledged I was out of my depth and pay for a service which wasn't as comprehensive as I'd initially thought.
You'll like this - made an error in the 2012/13 tax year meaning that I was due a £4k or so rebate, HMRC tried to give it back but accountant spotted the error and said no, tax paid is correct. Some years later they've come back and whilst they agree that nothing is owed either way they may want to fine me up to 30% of said error for my troubles!! I'm just awaiting their thoughts on the matter 
It's a good lark all this making non tax experts responsible for their tax returns then fining them when low and behold they make errors
TX.
It's a good lark all this making non tax experts responsible for their tax returns then fining them when low and behold they make errors
TX.
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